Understanding Physical Healthcare Experiences of Police Officers in Bangladesh: From Satisfaction to Systemic Gaps

This study examines the physical healthcare experiences of police personnel at the Central Police ‎Hospital (CPH) in Bangladesh using a mixed-methods approach. The research assesses service quality, ‎accessibility, and challenges faced by police personnel while capturing their recommendations for ‎improvement. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys with 70 police personnel, ‎and qualitative insights were obtained from ten in-depth interviews. Findings show that police ‎personnel were generally satisfied with diagnostic services, hospital cleanliness, and staff behaviour. ‎However, significant gaps were identified, particularly in specialist doctor availability, emergency ‎response readiness, and affordability. Rank-based disparities in access to care, along with logistical ‎barriers like long travel distances, medicine shortages, and service delays, also emerged as major ‎concerns. Based on these findings, the study recommends recruiting specialized doctors, providing ‎‎24/7 outpatient services, ensuring equitable access across all ranks, improving the availability of ‎medicines, and revising canteen pricing to make food more affordable. Overall, the research ‎highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to establish a more inclusive, efficient, and supportive ‎healthcare system for Bangladesh’s police force one that preserves dignity, reduces inequities, and ‎enhances both well-being and professional effectiveness.